27 May 2008 Media Statement

Strength to care an election issue

Anyone wishing to be in Government had to have the strength to let people know where they stand on issues, Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton said today.

In his speech as part of the Budget debate in Parliament, Jim Anderton said that John Key and National are too weak to clearly propose and defend its beliefs.

"The thing about government is you have to be strong. People will see where you stand. There is no place to hide. You have to be strong enough to front the hard issues, or you will get run over.

"A lot of commentators have called John Key "slippery". I no longer think that this is the right description. The real problem is weakness.

"The more you look at John Key and the National Party the more you see a leader and a party that is too weak for office. They don't have the strength to front the hard issues.

Jim Anderton said the Progressive Party was proud to vote for this budget.

"The budget puts significantly more in the pockets of most families. It delivers better health care and helps builds a stronger economy. The budget cuts taxes, not spending at a time when the economy is slowing.

"This budget carefully provides for better incomes across all of New Zealand. It doesn't herd the biggest tax cuts towards those who need them least. Because it is fair, it is caring and a caring New Zealand is what the Progressives are here to support."

ENDS

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